The Selection by Keira Cass
The Selection is a dystopian teen book about red-headed girl named America Singer who is one of 35 girls selected to compete for a chance at love with Prince Maxon.
I repeat… America is one of 35 girls who is selected to compete for a chance at love with Prince Maxon.
Does this sound familiar at all to anyone?
The story to me seemed divided into sections. We first learn that people and their families are broken up into classes. Their class pretty much defines their income, what they can eat, where they can live and who they marry. In order to move up in class you either have to be extremely lucky, exile yourself from your family and friends and hope someone offers you a higher ranking job (maybe? I don’t remember 100%), marry someone in a higher class, or get selected to marry a prince.
So, America’s life isn’t perfect and funny – her name reflects her talent. Besides that – she doesn’t think she’s pretty when in fact people are “stunned” by her beauty. She is in love with her lower section/class boyfriend Aspen whom her family will never allow her to marry or be with. Despite a strict curfew, America sneaks off into the night with food for Aspen and they cuddle.
Aspen, of course, feels uncomfortable taking America’s food since her family really doesn’t have that much extra money and they end up fighting when he encourages her to try out for a chance of being selected as one of Prince Maxon’s girls.
Anyway –long story – short version: America decides to ditch her rags and get dolled up for the competition to win Prince Maxon’s heart.
Cass’s novel is a quick read for those looking for a love story and great imagery!
